The COBIE file was submitted in the MS Excel 2003 XML spreadsheet format. This format can be translated to an equivalent IFC model using the ifcCOBIE program. The XML spreadsheet can also be opened directly by MS Excel for use during construction and commissioning.

Implementation Support

Support for Onuma Planning System is provided through their technical support service. Given the server-based nature of Onuma Planning System, COBIE support is provided directly from the program developers.

There are also several third-party support contractors who have been involved in the development of these formats that could be of assistance. For information about these contractors, please post a request for assistance on the buildingSMART alliance list service. You will need to join the Alliance to use this service.

Another resource that might be helpful is a peer-to-peer forum provided by the Engineer Research and Development Center to support the International Alliance for Interoperability's (www.iai-international.org) Model Support Group. The purpose of this forum is to help users obtain answers to their own questions. This forum was used during the vendor communications leading to the July 2008 demonstration; as a result vendor technical staff may be reviewing forum postings to support their users. You must register, and be approved, for this forum however use of the forum is free of charge, at this time.